OPPORTUNITY: Chief Development Officer

Department: Philanthropy
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: Senior Director of Development; Senior Director of Marketing (vacant); Manager, Government Relations (vacant)
FLSA Status: Exempt

THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1883, Bancroft is a leading nonprofit human services organization providing services and support to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and related needs across the lifespan.

Bancroft serves more than 2,200 children and adults annually and employs approximately 3,000 staff across more than 200 programs and service locations throughout New Jersey and Delaware. These programs include special education schools, group homes, day services, behavioral supports, rehabilitation therapies, and community-based services. Through its person-centered approach, Bancroft works to empower the individuals and families it serves and to help create opportunities for greater independence, connection, and quality of life.

The Chief Development Officer serves as a member of Bancroft’s executive leadership team and provides leadership for the organization’s Development, Marketing & Communications, and Government Affairs functions. The Chief Development Officer is responsible for supporting philanthropic growth, strengthening external engagement, enhancing organizational visibility, and advancing advocacy efforts in support of Bancroft’s mission and strategic priorities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board President, senior leadership team, and Board of Trustees, the Chief Development Officer develops and implements strategies that strengthen donor engagement, support organizational communications and brand awareness, and advance relationships with policymakers, community partners, and other key stakeholders.

The Chief Development Officer works collaboratively across the organization to align fundraising, communications, advocacy, and community engagement efforts with organizational priorities and programmatic needs. Working closely with other senior leaders across clinical, operations, finance, and human resources, the Chief Development Officer supports strategic growth initiatives and advances Bancroft’s impact in the communities it serves.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of an incumbent.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 1. Provide leadership for Bancroft’s Development, Marketing & Communications, and Government Affairs functions in support of the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
   2. Partner closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board President, Board of Trustees, and executive leadership team to advance organizational strategy, strengthen external relationships, support philanthropic engagement, and enhance advocacy and community engagement efforts that further Bancroft’s mission and impact.
   3. Partner collaboratively with senior leaders across clinical, operations, finance, and human resources departments to align external engagement strategies with organizational priorities, operational needs, programmatic growth initiatives, and a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
   4. Build, develop, and support a high-performing team by recruiting talent, strengthening collaboration, establishing clear priorities and accountability, and fostering a mission-driven and relationship-centered culture.
   5. Develop and implement integrated strategies that align fundraising, communications, advocacy, and community engagement efforts with organizational priorities and strategic growth initiatives.
   6. Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive philanthropy strategy designed to strengthen donor, family, and community engagement, increase philanthropic support, and advance Bancroft’s long-term fundraising objectives.
   7. Lead and coordinate all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, special events, and future campaign initiatives.
   8. Partner closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board President to cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational philanthropic investments and strategic donor relationships, including personally managing relationships with key donors and prospects.
   9. Support and strengthen Board engagement in fundraising and donor stewardship activities through strategic guidance, relationship management support, and opportunities for meaningful ambassadorial leadership.
   10. Provide leadership for Bancroft’s marketing, communications, and brand strategy to strengthen organizational visibility, stakeholder engagement, and public understanding of Bancroft’s mission, programs, services, and impact.
   11. Oversee the development and execution of integrated communications initiatives across print, digital, social media, web, media relations, executive communications, and community outreach and engagement efforts.
   12. Partner closely with direct reports across Development, Marketing & Communications, and Government Affairs to align fundraising, communications, advocacy, public policy, and community engagement strategies with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
   13. Lead Bancroft’s government affairs and advocacy efforts to strengthen relationships with policymakers, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders.
   14. Develop and implement government affairs strategies that advance Bancroft’s legislative, regulatory, funding, and public policy priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
   15. Ensure Bancroft is represented in meetings, hearings, coalitions, conferences, and public forums related to healthcare, disability services, behavioral health, education, workforce, and other relevant policy matters, either directly or through coordinated engagement of appropriate organizational leaders and subject matter experts.
   16. Develop performance goals and metrics to assess progress toward fundraising, communications, advocacy, and organizational engagement objectives.
   17. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant progressive leadership experience in development, external affairs, or related leadership roles within a nonprofit healthcare, human services, education, or similarly mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success leading fundraising and philanthropic engagement strategies, including major gifts, institutional giving, donor stewardship, and relationship management.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, Board members, and external stakeholders to advance organizational priorities and strengthen community engagement.
• Experience leading, building, and mentoring high-performing teams, including recruiting talent, strengthening collaboration, and fostering accountability and professional growth.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multiple external-facing functions, including development, communications, community engagement, advocacy, or government relations.
• Experience collaborating across departments and working effectively with operational, clinical, financial, and program leadership teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate complex organizational environments with professionalism, good judgment, flexibility, and discretion.

Salary range for this position is $200,000-$250,000.

This is a full time in person position. 

Bancroft stands strong against racism and hate of all kinds and supports actions leading to respect, equality, fairness and peace. We advocate for and embrace an inclusive and just world. One world. For everyone. We work with heart, respect and collaboration. We are communicators, listeners, problem solvers, partners and collaborators. Bring your authentic self to our team.  

Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential.  To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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